UFC 325 Star Diego Lopes is Not Fighting for Revenge Against Alexander Volkanovski

UFC featherweight title contender Diego Lopes reveals why the UFC 325 rematch against Alexander Volkanovski is not personal.

UFC 325 Star Diego Lopes is Not Fighting for Revenge Against Alexander Volkanovski

Diego Lopes does not want revenge against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 325 (via MMA Fighting, MARCA)

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Diego Lopes has shaped his UFC persona through consistent performances and a calm, respectful approach toward opponents. He has never relied on trash talk for attention; instead, he has let his results define his rise and has consistently avoided personal rivalries. He has now shown the same attitude by stating he holds no grudges toward Alexander Volkanovski heading into their UFC 325 rematch.

Lopes first met Volkanovski at UFC 314 in 2025 in a bout regarded as one of the year’s most competitive featherweight fights. He pushed the Australian veteran throughout the contest, showcasing notable power and durability. Lopes scored a knockdown in the second round, briefly shifting momentum in his favor. Despite the strong showing, his efforts fell short as Volkanovski secured a unanimous decision.

Lopes rebounded at Noche UFC 3 against formerly undefeated ‘Fighting Nerd’ Jean Silva with a dominant performance inside the Octagon. He finished the fight in the second round with a spinning elbow knockout that underscored his momentum. The win earned him a title rematch with Volkanovski at UFC 325 and led to his recent comments centered on championship ambition rather than grudges.

I only want to take the belt. It’s like beat Volk or whoever the guy is that holds the belt and this is my only goal.

Diego Lopes via UFC 325 media day

This side of the Brazilian featherweight was also evident following his victory over Silva. In the buildup, Lopes and Silva were involved in heated exchanges, with Silva directing repeated verbal shots his way. Despite the tense lead-up, the tone shifted after the bout concluded. The two fighters ultimately squashed their differences backstage at the Frost Bank Center, closing the rivalry on respectful terms.

Lopes’ title opportunity drew criticism from contenders such as Lerone Murphy and Movsar Evloev, who questioned his selection over them. Both fighters positioned themselves as overlooked alternatives within the featherweight rankings. Lopes later hinted that UFC CEO Dana White played a role in the decision and suggested that his greater marketability set him apart from other contenders.

Diego Lopes’ recent comments underline a focused approach as he prepares for UFC 325, emphasizing the championship above all else. With the belt in sight, the stakes for the Brazilian contender are high. A victory would cement his place among the division’s elite, while a loss could force him to rebuild from the starting line. This fight may be his most critical opportunity to claim featherweight gold in the near future.

Diego Lopes gets warned about a violent reckoning by Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 325

Alexander Volkanovski enters the UFC 325 rematch with Diego Lopes as the reigning featherweight champion, aiming to maintain his position atop the division. Known for his combination of striking precision and wrestling control, Volkanovski has consistently dictated the pace of his fights. He recently highlighted his intention to implement the same approach against Lopes in the upcoming rematch.

Alexander Volkanovski face to face with Diego Lopes
Alexander Volkanovski face-to-face with Diego Lopes (via X)

In their first fight at UFC 314, Volkanovski faced Lopes in a competitive matchup that tested both fighters’ skills. He controlled much of the contest with precise striking and wrestling, while Lopes showed power and even scored a second-round knockdown. ‘The Great’ secured a unanimous decision victory, and his experience from that bout now shapes his strategy for the rematch, as he recently highlighted.

I’m very calculated. I’ve always been that way and you should be. But when moments come, I might take a little more risk and go for that finish. If I really do, I can bulldoze these guys. He’s gonna come aggressively at me. Obviously, I know he’s gonna be looking for the big counter so we’ll be wary of that. But at the same time, come at me like that, there’s gonna be some big shots coming your way, 100%.

Alexander Volkanovski via Submission Radio

UFC 325 represents Volkanovski’s opportunity to prove why he is the undisputed featherweight champion. This rematch marks his first title defense after losing the belt to Ilia Topuria and reclaiming it against Lopes in their first encounter. The fight carries high stakes, as a strong performance would reinforce his status at the top of the division.

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